TechCrunch Startup News
Listen to select TechCrunch articles on startups coverage—who's raising, who's exiting, who's changing the world.
Latest episodes
Jun 11, 2025 • 3min
Mitra Chem is raising $50M for its cheaper, domestic battery materials
Mitra Chem is making waves with its innovative approach to lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries. They’ve recently secured $15.6 million in funding to enhance battery efficiency, tackling the challenges of the volatile electric vehicle market. The discussion also highlights potential legislative changes affecting EV incentives and how these could shape the future of battery startups. Expect insights into the fast-evolving landscape of battery materials and the push for cheaper, domestically sourced options.
Jun 11, 2025 • 4min
XRobotics’ countertop robots are cooking up 25,000 pizzas a month
Discover how XRobotics is shaking up the pizza industry with their countertop pizza robots, capable of producing 25,000 pizzas a month. The conversation dives into the impressive X-Pizza Cube and its potential to revolutionize pizza-making efficiency in pizzerias. Learn about the recent $2.5 million seed round funding that will help propel their innovative technology, highlighting the growing role of robotics in the restaurant sector.
Jun 10, 2025 • 4min
An investor makes a case for funding sex, drugs and other socially taboo products
Impact investor Christian Tooley challenges societal norms by advocating for funding in taboo sectors like sex and psychedelics. He questions the restrictions placed on venture investments and highlights the potential for innovation in these overlooked markets. The discussion emphasizes the need for progressive investors to rethink traditional prudence and consider the profitable opportunities in vice investing.
Jun 10, 2025 • 6min
Obvio’s stop sign cameras use AI to root out unsafe drivers
A San Carlos startup is tackling pedestrian safety by installing cameras at stop signs, aiming to deter dangerous driving. The founders emphasize a blend of education, engineering, and community privacy concerns to avoid creating a surveillance state. They discuss the importance of integrating automated enforcement with community advocacy, striving to build trust while ensuring safer streets for everyone.
Jun 9, 2025 • 5min
Rippling calls Deel ‘a criminal syndicate’ and claims 4 other competitors were spied on, too
Tensions are rising in the HR tech world as Rippling accuses Deel of corporate espionage. The allegations suggest that Deel targeted and infiltrated multiple competitors, sparking a heated legal battle. With accusations this serious, even federal authorities are getting involved. The drama unfolds as both companies brace for an intense showdown.
Jun 9, 2025 • 4min
North America takes the bulk of AI VC investments, despite tough political environment
Despite a challenging political environment, North America is thriving in AI venture capital. Recent data shows an incredible $69.7 billion invested in AI and machine learning startups between February and May. This region accounted for a staggering 86.2% of global AI funding in 2025, proving that innovation continues to flourish even in adversity. The influx of cash demonstrates a strong belief in the future of AI, pushing boundaries in technology and research.
Jun 6, 2025 • 5min
Toma’s AI voice agents have taken off at car dealerships – and attracted funding from a16z
Monik Pamecha and Anthony Krivonos never expected their AI voice startup to thrive in car dealerships. Initially focused on banking and healthcare, they pivoted after dealerships showed interest. This shift to automotive highlighted the power of customer insights in building innovative tech. As they sweat it out in the Bible Belt, their engagement with dealers has catalyzed their product's development and attracted funding from a16z, setting them on a path towards impressive growth.
Jun 6, 2025 • 5min
Windsurf says Anthropic is limiting its direct access to Claude AI models
Windsurf is facing hurdles after Anthropic reduced its first-party access to their popular AI models. The CEO expresses concerns about the unexpected limitations and the impact on their coding tools. As competition heats up in the AI-assisted coding space, Windsurf is now on the lookout for new compute providers to adapt and thrive. It's a gripping tale of innovation, adaptation, and the challenges of navigating partnerships in the fast-paced tech landscape.
Jun 5, 2025 • 4min
Colossal Labs will release the sounds of dire wolves howling ‘later this year’
A company is on a mission to revive the infamous dire wolf, drawing inspiration from pop culture phenomena like Game of Thrones. They discuss innovative bio-acoustic projects aimed at mapping dire wolf howls, which may be released soon. The conversation dives into using AI to analyze their behavior and explores the fascinating potential for de-extinction of other species in the future.
Jun 5, 2025 • 4min
Console raises $6.2M from Thrive to free IT teams from mundane tasks with AI
Discover how a startup is revolutionizing IT help desks with AI automation, making it faster and easier for teams to get the support they need. Explore the innovative integration with Slack that promises to streamline communication and efficiency across organizations. Plus, hear about their impressive recent funding round and ambitious plans to expand their solutions beyond IT. Say goodbye to mundane tasks and hello to a more efficient workplace!
